India 

BENGALURU, — Bengaluru-based defence startup NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) has successfully completed the first rocket-assisted take-off (RATO) trial of its Sheshnaag-150 long-range one-way attack drone. The trial was conducted by the company's GryphonWorks team, adding a new launch capability to the Indian-designed, developed and manufactured strike platform. Previously, the Sheshnaag-150 relied mainly on vehicle-based launches. The rocket-assisted method allows it to take off without a conventional runway, including from shorter and unprepared locations. This increases deployment flexibility in remote and difficult terrain.   Sheshnaag-150 Specifications and Capabilities The Sheshnaag-150 is a 150-kg-class loitering munition with an operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometres and an endurance of more than five hours. It can carry a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing between 25 and 40 kilograms. The drone is designed for coordinated swarm attacks, in which multiple unmanned aircraft operate together to engage targets. Its loitering capability allows it to remain over an area for surveillance and target identification before striking. Visual navigation and onboard systems are intended to support operations in GPS-denied environments where satellite navigation signals are jammed or unavailable. The platform is powered by an air-cooled boxer engine designed for sustained flight and operational reliability, including in high-altitude environments.   Earlier Trials and Performance The Sheshnaag-150 completed its first flight at the Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range by February 2025 and made its public debut at Aero India 2025. In April 2026, the drone underwent testing at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan, covering approximately 720 kilometres without a live warhead. The reported trial demonstrated long-distance flight performance, stability and terminal strike capabilities. Reported accuracy figures have placed its circular error probable (CEP) below 10 metres, with some accounts citing approximately five metres.   Part of India's Indigenous Drone Programme The Sheshnaag-150 is part of NRT's wider Sheshnaag family of one-way attack drones, described as covering strike ranges from 15 kilometres to 1,000 kilometres. The project began as an internal company development effort and was subsequently accelerated following the Indian military's interest in indigenous long-range swarm-strike capabilities. The platform is intended for potential use by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and other military services. It has been compared with Iran's Shahed-136 and the US Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS), although such comparisons do not establish identical specifications or performance. The successful rocket-assisted take-off trial adds a new deployment option to the existing vehicle-based launch method. NRT continues development and testing of the system as India pursues indigenous long-range unmanned strike capabilities. A confirmed military induction timeline has not been established by the information provided.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-15 16:09:02

 India 

SR Dynamics has introduced a new stealthy, jet-powered strike drone designed for long-range precision strike missions. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) combines a low-observable design with a reported maximum speed of 900 km/h, a 1,000 km strike range, and a 27 kg to 50 kg warhead capacity. The platform is designed to operate at high speed while maintaining a reduced radar signature. SR Dynamics says its low-observable characteristics are intended to improve survivability in modern tactical and strategic operating environments.   1,000 km Strike Range The new drone has a stated maximum strike range of 1,000 km, allowing it to conduct long-range missions from significant distances from its target. Its jet-powered propulsion system gives the platform a maximum speed of 900 km/h. The high-subsonic speed allows the drone to cover long distances in a relatively short period and is a key part of its intended strike capability.   Low-Observable Design A central feature of the drone is its Low Observable (LO) design, which is intended to reduce its radar cross-section and make detection more difficult. The combination of a reduced radar signature and high speed is intended to improve the platform's ability to operate in contested airspace. The available information does not provide specific radar-cross-section figures or detailed information about the materials and technologies used to achieve the low-observable characteristics.   27–50 kg Warhead The drone is designed to carry a warhead weighing between 27 kg and 50 kg. This payload range provides flexibility for different strike requirements. SR Dynamics positions the platform for missions against high-value targets (HVTs) and critical infrastructure. The stated mission applications include reinforced structures, command-and-control centres, radar installations and other critical enemy infrastructure.   Jet-Powered Long-Range Strike Platform The combination of jet propulsion, a 900 km/h maximum speed, a 1,000 km range and low-observable characteristics gives the new UAV a design focused on long-range and high-speed strike operations. The platform is intended to provide a strike option without placing a manned aircraft directly at risk during the mission. Its reported specifications also distinguish it from slower propeller-powered unmanned systems that are typically designed around different operating requirements. Detailed information on the drone's dimensions, engine specifications, guidance system, navigation equipment, launch method, endurance and current testing or production status has not been provided in the available information. SR Dynamics' new platform therefore represents a long-range, jet-powered stealth strike UAV built around four stated characteristics: 1,000 km range, 900 km/h maximum speed, a 27–50 kg warhead and a low-observable design.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-12 16:38:34

 India 

JODHPUR,  — Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has confirmed that India has received no official US offer to purchase the F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter. He also said that Russia’s proposal for the Su-57 fighter awaits a government decision on whether the aircraft should be evaluated. Singh made the remarks during a press conference at the conclusion of Exercise Tarang Shakti-2026 in Jodhpur, alongside US Pacific Air Forces commander General Kevin Schneider. Six US Air Force F-35A fighters participated in the exercise, marking their first appearance in a military exercise on Indian soil. However, the aircraft were operated and maintained by US personnel in a separate, secure section of the airbase, with Indian personnel denied close access. Responding to questions about a possible F-35 purchase, Singh said, “We didn’t get any official offer.” He also remarked, “Your people don’t even let us go near the aircraft, and you are talking about selling it to us.” Regarding Russia’s Su-57, Singh confirmed that the IAF was aware of Moscow’s proposal but had not formally evaluated the aircraft. “Once the decision is conveyed to us by the government, we will evaluate how well it meets our requirements,” he said. The discussions come as India continues developing its indigenous fifth-generation fighter under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. No procurement decision or timeline has been announced for either foreign fighter.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-10 16:07:38

 India 

NEW DELHI, — India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) will seek a 35 per cent increase in its capital acquisition budget for the 2027–28 financial year (FY28), Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Friday. If approved, the allocation would rise from ₹1.85 lakh crore ($22 billion) in FY27 to approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore ($30 billion). Speaking at the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers’ annual session in New Delhi, Singh said a 25 per cent increase would also be a positive outcome if the full request is not approved. Under this alternative, the capital acquisition budget would reach approximately ₹2.31 lakh crore ($27.5 billion). The proposed increase would fund the acquisition of aircraft, warships, tanks, missiles, weapons systems and other military equipment for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. It applies specifically to capital acquisition, not the overall defence budget, which also covers salaries, pensions and operating expenses.   Higher funding follows increased procurement The ministry’s request follows two consecutive years of fully utilising its revised modernisation allocations. Defence capital acquisition contracts exceeded ₹2 trillion ($23.8 billion) in both FY25 and FY26, compared with an earlier annual range of ₹80,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore ($9.5 billion to $11.9 billion). Singh said the ministry had approached the Finance Ministry for additional funding after using its revised allocations. The increased pace of contract signing supports its case for a larger capital acquisition budget.   India’s defence budget trends India’s total defence allocation has increased over the past three financial years, alongside higher capital spending. FY25 (2024–25): Total defence allocation of approximately ₹6.22 trillion ($74.1 billion), with capital outlay of around ₹1.72 trillion ($20.5 billion). FY26 (2025–2026): Total allocation of ₹6.81 trillion ($81.1 billion), with capital outlay of ₹1.80 trillion ($21.4 billion). Modernisation funding was approximately ₹1.49 trillion ($17.7 billion), while defence spending represented 1.91 per cent of GDP. FY27 (2026–27): Total allocation of approximately ₹7.85 trillion ($93.5 billion), equivalent to 1.99 per cent of GDP. Capital outlay rose to ₹2.19 trillion ($26.1 billion), while the capital acquisition allocation reached ₹1.85 lakh crore ($22 billion), up 24.39 per cent from ₹1,48,722.8 crore in FY26.   FY28 proposal could raise capital acquisition spending to $30 billion If approved, the 35 per cent increase would take the capital acquisition budget to approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore ($30 billion). Even the alternative 25 per cent increase would raise it to around ₹2.31 lakh crore ($27.5 billion). The proposed funding would support continued military procurement and modernisation across the three services. Domestic industry already accounts for 75 per cent of the capital acquisition budget, reflecting the emphasis on Indian defence manufacturing. India’s total defence allocation reached approximately $93.5 billion in FY27. The proposed increase in capital acquisition funding could contribute to further growth in defence spending, although the final FY28 allocation will depend on the government’s decision.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-10 13:01:02

 India 

MUMBAI, October 10, 2026 — The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission INS Mangrol, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on October 12, 2026. The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. INS Mangrol is the third Mahe-class vessel built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi. The ship was delivered to the Navy on August 21, 2026, and features more than 80 per cent indigenous content under the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The 78-metre-long vessel is designed to detect, track and engage hostile submarines in coastal and shallow waters. It is equipped with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-developed Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System for protection against incoming torpedoes. Powered by three diesel engines and waterjet propulsion, INS Mangrol can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots. In addition to anti-submarine warfare, it can conduct underwater surveillance, mine warfare, low-intensity maritime operations and search-and-rescue missions. The vessel is named after the coastal town of Mangrol in Gujarat’s Junagadh district. It also carries forward the name of the earlier INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper decommissioned on April 7, 2004. The commissioning will strengthen the Indian Navy’s indigenous shallow-water warfare capabilities and support efforts to protect India’s coastal areas, ports and harbours.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-10 12:57:34

 India 

NEW DELHI, — The Ministry of Defence (Navy) has issued a Single Tender Enquiry Request for Proposal (RFP) to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the supply of one indigenous Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) system to replace the older Ellora Mk-II suite on an existing warship. A Shivalik-class frigate associated with the Eastern Fleet is considered a possible candidate, although the specific vessel has not been confirmed. Under the procurement, BEL must manufacture and deliver the system within 18 months to the Weapon Equipment Depot (WED) in Visakhapatnam, where it will be prepared for integration into the designated vessel.   Shakti EW System Capabilities Developed by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and manufactured by BEL, the Shakti system is designed to detect, intercept, classify, identify and jam conventional and modern radar emissions. It provides an electronic warfare defence layer against radar surveillance and anti-ship missile threats. The system includes two main components: Electronic Support Measures (ESM): Covers 0.175–40 GHz and provides high-accuracy direction finding, radio-frequency (RF) fingerprinting, and data recording and replay for post-mission analysis. Electronic Countermeasures (ECM): Operates across 6–40 GHz using Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology. The stated specifications include up to 50 kW effective radiated power (ERP) and the capability to counter eight or more simultaneous radar threats. These functions help warships identify hostile radar emissions and use electronic countermeasures to disrupt an adversary's ability to track or engage them.   Separate from the 2024 Contract The latest single-system procurement is separate from the Ministry of Defence's February 2024 contract with BEL, worth ₹2,269.54 crore, for 11 Shakti EW systems and associated equipment under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. That contract covers newer capital warships, including Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) frigates. The current RFP instead concerns the potential retrofit of an existing warship. The first Shakti system was installed on INS Visakhapatnam, while the programme has also covered other capital ships, including INS Vikrant. The proposed upgrade supports the Indian Navy's efforts to replace legacy electronic warfare equipment with indigenous technology. Domestic defence manufacturers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) also contribute to the supply chain. The specific ship assignment and installation schedule have not been confirmed in the procurement details provided.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-09 16:28:07

 India 

New Delhi,  — Delivery of the first Airbus C-295 transport aircraft assembled in India for the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been delayed by another one to two months from the September 2026 target due to minor issues identified during production testing. Outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, confirmed the delay and said the issues were minor and that rectification work was underway. The aircraft is the 17th C-295 for the IAF and the first to come from the Tata-Airbus Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, Gujarat. It completed its maiden flight from Vadodara in June 2026 and has since been undergoing test flights and acceptance trials before delivery.   Why is the aircraft delayed if it is assembled in India? The delay also highlights that the Indian C-295 programme involves more than simply putting together a completely imported aircraft, but it is not a fully indigenous aircraft manufactured entirely in India. Under the programme, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus are carrying out final assembly, testing and delivery in India, while major airframe structures and thousands of detail parts are also being produced through Indian facilities and suppliers. Airbus and TASL have stated that more than 85% of the structural and final assembly work for the 40 aircraft to be built in India will take place domestically. However, the aircraft still includes components and systems supplied through the wider Airbus production chain. Therefore, even though the aircraft is assembled in India, production testing, systems integration, flight testing and acceptance still have to be completed before the IAF can formally accept it. India signed a ₹21,935-crore contract with Airbus in 2021 for 56 C-295 aircraft. The first 16 aircraft were supplied from Airbus's facility in Spain, while the remaining 40 are being manufactured and assembled in India by TASL in partnership with Airbus. The Vadodara facility is India's first private-sector military aircraft manufacturing venture of this type. The programme is also intended to develop an Indian aerospace manufacturing ecosystem involving local suppliers, aircraft structures, components, tooling and testing. The current delay is linked to the minor issues found during testing of the first Indian-assembled aircraft. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the issues are not severe and rectification is underway, with delivery expected after the remaining observations and acceptance procedures are completed.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-08 16:01:18

 India 

Kochi, — Kerala-based marine robotics and AI deep-tech company EyeROV has delivered two EyeROV TROUT military-grade underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems to the Indian Navy. The delivery is part of the Navy’s order for five systems and marks the first supply of a military-standard underwater robotic platform designed, developed, manufactured and qualified in India for naval use. The ₹47 crore order for five TROUT systems was announced in September 2025 under the iDEX DISC 7 SPRINT Challenge, which supports the development of strategically important indigenous technologies for the Indian Armed Forces. The delivery of the first two systems moves the platform from development and qualification into operational supply. The TROUT is a rugged underwater robotic platform designed for naval and subsea tasks, including underwater inspection, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and recovery, detection and robotic intervention. It has a 300-metre depth rating and is designed to operate in deep water, poor visibility, strong currents and areas with limited accessibility. The systems underwent extensive field trials and system-level validation covering manoeuvrability, deep-dive capability, performance in strong underwater currents, detection, navigation, endurance and operator control. TROUT has also passed the quality assurance framework of the Directorate of Quality Assurance (Naval), or DQA(N), and meets Environmental Stress Screening requirements under DGQAN policies along with applicable military standards for environmental and operational resilience. Johns T. Mathai, CEO and Co-Founder of EyeROV, said the programme had developed into a mission-ready underwater robotic platform for the Indian Navy and demonstrated India’s ability to develop advanced marine robotic technologies domestically. EyeROV, registered as IROV Technologies Private Limited, is based at Maker Village in the Kerala Technology Innovation Zone, Kalamassery. Founded by IIT alumni Johns T. Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan P., the company has completed more than 100 underwater deployments and supplied systems to organisations including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The remaining three TROUT systems under the Indian Navy’s five-unit order are expected to follow.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 16:08:10

 India 

NEW DELHI — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to flight-test its indigenous Long Range Detection and Tracking System (LRDTS), an airborne infrared search and track (IRST) system developed by the Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun. IRDE has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for flying test-bed services to evaluate two LRDTS hardware prototypes, designated SB1 and SB2. The trials will use a modified British Aerospace BAE 125-800A, also known as the Hawker 800 series, as the primary test aircraft. The campaign requires approximately 45 flight hours on the Hawker, with an Aero L-39 Albatros serving as the target aircraft for about 30 hours. The LRDTS will include a nose-mounted Sensor Head Unit (SHU) weighing approximately 25 kg and requiring around 350 watts of power. Its separate Processing Unit (PU) weighs about 14 kg and requires approximately 250 watts. The system will interface with the aircraft's test systems to collect tracking data. Planned connections include two ARINC 818 Fibre Channel links for video transmission, along with MIL-STD-1553B and Ethernet links. A Mission Computer Simulator will also be installed in the aircraft cabin. Flight trials will cover altitudes from approximately 5,000 to 29,000 feet and will include land, maritime and industrial backgrounds, as well as day and night sorties. These conditions will allow the LRDTS to be evaluated against airborne targets under different environmental and lighting conditions. Unlike active radar, an IRST system detects and tracks targets through their infrared signatures without transmitting radar signals. The planned trials will therefore focus on the performance of the indigenous system in detecting and tracking the L-39 target under the specified test conditions. The overall programme is planned for 45 months, with the flight-test campaign based in Bengaluru. The RFP seeks services to support the airborne evaluation of the two LRDTS prototypes. IRDE is a DRDO laboratory under the Electronics and Communication Systems cluster and specialises in electronic, electro-optical and laser-based sensors and systems for defence applications.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 15:58:08

 India 

New Delhi, — GE Aerospace has delivered four more F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Mk-1A programme in September 2026, taking the total number of engines delivered under the programme to 14. The latest shipment follows the delivery of three engines in August. GE Aerospace confirmed the September shipment and said it remains focused on supplying the engines required for India’s Tejas fighter jets while continuing its partnership with HAL and the Indian Air Force. The engines are part of a 2021 contract for 99 F404-IN20 engines, valued at ₹5,375 crore. The first engine under the order was delivered on March 25, 2025. The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft under two contracts, including the initial 83-aircraft order and a follow-on order for 97 aircraft. Engine availability has been a major constraint on Mk-1A production and aircraft deliveries. GE Aerospace had earlier committed to supplying 20 engines between June and December 2026, with four engines planned for each of October, November and December. The latest delivery supports HAL’s efforts to continue integration, testing and completion of Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. The F404-IN20 is the engine selected to power the Tejas Mk-1A and is a variant of GE Aerospace’s F404 engine family

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-07 14:09:38

 India 

New Delhi,  —  The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight trial of its indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS), reaching an altitude of 21 km above mean sea level (AMSL). During the experimental flight, the platform climbed to 21 km and subsequently maintained an altitude of around 20 km for more than 30 minutes. It was then instructed to return to the ground and was successfully recovered, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday. The flight generated performance data that was analysed by the DRDO team to assess the platform's capabilities and identify areas for further development. Real-time video and other vehicle parameters were also received at the ground control station throughout the flight. The platform carried an inertial measurement unit, GPS receiver, onboard cameras, altitude control mechanism and other instrumentation and control systems. The HAPS is a lighter-than-air system being designed and developed by DRDO's Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, as a long-endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform. The latest trial follows ADRDE's maiden stratospheric airship flight on May 3, 2025, from the Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh. That system reached around 17 km during a flight lasting about 62 minutes. The earlier test evaluated envelope pressure control and emergency deflation systems, after which the platform was recovered for further study. The latest flight trial was conducted with support from the Indian Air Force, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities. High-altitude platforms of this type are intended to operate in the stratosphere for extended periods and can support surveillance, intelligence gathering and related missions. The latest trial provides additional performance data for the continued development of the system. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, public sector undertakings and industry partners involved in the successful trial, describing it as an important milestone in India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat efforts to develop a long-endurance stratospheric airship. Defence Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the teams involved in the flight trial.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 15:06:37

 India 

New Delhi, — The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹661.50 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for the procurement of BrahMos Fire Control Systems (FCS) and launchers for Indian Navy warships. The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The contract has been placed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category and requires a minimum of 68 per cent indigenous content. The project is expected to involve Indian defence industries, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and generate employment over a three-year execution period. The BrahMos system, already fitted on various frontline Indian Navy warships, serves as the Navy's primary surface-to-surface missile (SSM) for maritime strike operations. It can engage both land and sea targets at extended ranges with pinpoint accuracy and supersonic speed. The Fire Control System forms a key part of the ship's missile combat system. It supports target acquisition and tracking, mission planning and coordinated missile launches. The contract also includes the Universal Vertical Launcher Module (UVLM) and Quadruple Canisterised Inclined Launcher (QCIL). The UVLM supports vertical missile launches, while the QCIL is designed to launch up to four missiles in an inclined configuration, including single or salvo launches. The procurement follows the Defence Acquisition Council's approval in August 2025 and supports the upgrade and integration of BrahMos systems on key naval platforms, including Shivalik-class ships and Next Generation Missile Vessels. BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia, with India holding a 50.5 per cent stake. The company designs, develops, produces and markets the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The missile operates at around Mach 2.8 to 3 and is used in both anti-ship and land-attack roles. The latest contract is for the Fire Control Systems and launchers, not the missiles themselves. The MoD said the procurement will strengthen India's maritime security and defence capabilities while supporting the country's efforts to increase indigenous production and reduce dependence on foreign defence imports.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-06 13:38:54

 India 

Pune, — The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(E)), Pune, has developed and tested indigenous lightweight armour panels meeting STANAG-6 (30mm AP) requirements. The armour panels are intended for use on next-generation Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), Light Tanks and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs). According to DRDO, the laboratory carried out multiple design iterations and simulations before developing a lightweight indigenous armour solution. R&DE(E) also developed a novel manufacturing method for producing the panels. The armour has undergone extensive testing, with the required parameters for STANAG-6 (30mm AP) achieved during trials. STANAG 4569 Level 6 covers protection against 30mm armour-piercing (AP) or APFSDS ammunition. Following the successful development and testing, DRDO issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) on October 1, 2026, for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for manufacturing the armour panels. The technology is listed under Category ‘A’, with three licences available. The ToT includes the bill of materials, manufacturing process, quality assurance plan and test details. The technology is specifically intended for development of armour at the panel level and may also support indigenous armour solutions against other medium-calibre ammunition. Indian companies and industries interested in the technology have been asked to submit their EoI within 21 days of its publication on the DRDO website.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-05 13:32:00

 India 

Visakhapatnam, — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will launch the Indian Navy’s first Fleet Support Ship, FSS-1, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam on October 6, 2026. During the event, Singh will also lay the keel of the fifth ship in the series, FSS-5, and inaugurate HSL’s upgraded Slipway-4 and a new 300-tonne Goliath Crane.   Five-Ship Fleet Support Programme FSS-1 is the first of five Fleet Support Ships being built under an approximately ₹19,000-crore contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and HSL in August 2023. The ships are being designed and constructed in India, with the majority of their equipment sourced from domestic manufacturers. FSS-1, weighing about 43,500 tonnes, is expected to enter the Bay of Bengal just 18 months after its steel-cutting ceremony.   Replenishment Capability The Fleet Support Ships are designed to replenish Indian Navy warships at sea with fuel, water, ammunition and stores. This will allow naval vessels to remain deployed for longer periods without returning to harbour. The ships will also have a secondary role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and non-combatant evacuation. The vessels are approximately 228.8 metres long, with a displacement of around 43,500 to 45,000 tonnes. They will use two 12 MW marine engines with controllable-pitch propellers, providing a top speed of 20 knots and an operational range of 12,000 nautical miles.   Construction and Delivery Schedule Deliveries are scheduled to begin from mid-2027, with subsequent ships planned at intervals of around 10 to 12 months. Two of the five ships are being built in collaboration with L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli to use additional shipbuilding capacity and support the programme’s timelines.   HSL Infrastructure Upgrade The upgraded Slipway-4 has an extended length and increased load-bearing capacity. Along with the new 300-tonne Goliath Crane, it will enable HSL to build and launch vessels of up to 45,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT). The upgraded infrastructure will expand HSL’s ability to construct larger and more complex platforms.   Officials Expected to Attend Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar are among those expected to attend the ceremonies. Rajnath Singh is scheduled to arrive in Visakhapatnam on October 5 after engagements in Ayodhya. The Fleet Support Ship programme is part of the Indian Navy’s efforts to strengthen its blue-water capabilities through indigenous shipbuilding.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-05 12:59:55

 India 

NEW DELHI, — The Indian Navy’s INS Khanderi is scheduled to become the first Kalvari-class submarine equipped with an indigenous Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Installation is targeted for completion by December 2026, followed by sea trials in July–August 2027 and a return to operational service in early to mid-2028. The system has been developed by DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) and uses phosphoric acid fuel-cell technology. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is the principal industry partner for manufacturing and integration of the energy module, while Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is responsible for the AIP plug and submarine integration. France’s Naval Group, the original designer of the Scorpène class, is also involved in the integration effort.   How the Indigenous AIP System Works The AIP system generates electricity underwater through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing water as a by-product. It generates hydrogen on demand, avoiding the need to store hydrogen gas onboard, while oxygen is carried in liquid form. Conventional diesel-electric submarines must periodically use a snorkel or surface to operate diesel generators and recharge their batteries. The indigenous AIP system is expected to extend INS Khanderi’s submerged endurance to around 13–15 days, with some projections indicating up to 21 days depending on operating conditions. This would reduce the need to approach the surface and help the submarine maintain a lower-detection profile.   Why INS Khanderi Was Selected The Navy initially planned to install the first AIP system on INS Kalvari, the lead submarine of the class. However, the technology was not ready during Kalvari’s scheduled refit window, prompting the Navy to select INS Khanderi for the first installation. The integration requires an additional hull section, known as an AIP plug, to accommodate the energy module. In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence awarded MDL a contract worth approximately ₹1,990 crore for construction of the plug and its integration into Kalvari-class submarines. The submarine’s pressure hull will be opened during refit to insert the module before being sealed and tested. The refit is scheduled to begin around mid-2026, with integration targeted for completion by December. Harbour and sea trials are planned for July–August 2027, followed by further testing and validation before the submarine returns to service.   Development Progress and Future Plans The land-based AIP prototype completed endurance and maximum-power trials in 2021. In April 2026, INOXCVA flagged off a simulated liquid oxygen (LOX) storage module for factory acceptance testing. The component forms part of the energy module being assembled by L&T, while AIP plug fabrication is progressing through coordination between L&T and MDL. INS Khanderi (pennant number S22) was commissioned on 28 September 2019. Built by MDL under Project 75 in collaboration with Naval Group, it is a diesel-electric attack submarine based on the Scorpène design. The Kalvari class comprises six submarines. INS Khanderi displaces approximately 1,615 tonnes on the surface and 1,775 tonnes submerged, measures 67.5 metres in length and carries around 43 personnel. Its armament includes six 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes or SM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. The Indian Navy plans to install the indigenous AIP system on all six Kalvari-class submarines during their respective mid-life refits. The technology is also intended to support future conventional submarine programmes. Successful installation and sea trials aboard INS Khanderi will be an important step towards introducing India’s domestically developed fuel-cell AIP capability into operational service.

Read More → Posted on 2026-10-04 14:00:51